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Scholarship recipients
2023 CSEA Scholarship Winners
CSEA and Union Plus awarded 87 scholarships to CSEA members and their dependents this year. Each of these scholarships will help lessen the financial burden for CSEA families to pursue life-changing learning opportunities.
“Classified employees work in education, so they know how important education is for their child,” said Gema Larios of Los Angeles Chapter 500. She works as a library aide and is a member of the Scholarship Committee. “I know that it helps our members and their families out a lot, especially in reading the scholarship applications and what some of the applicants are going through.”
CSEA’s scholarships are selected by the Scholarship Committee, who carefully follow a selection process that scores applicants on financial need, academic achievement, and community leadership.
Appointed by the Association President, committee members dedicate many hours reviewing all scholarship applications before determining awardees. Scholarships are then announced and awarded no later than the end of April every year.
“The money helps to support them," said Larios, who also serves as her chapter's chief union steward. “In the end, even though it’s just $1,000, I think that by providing whatever assistance they need really does make a difference.” With a combined annual scholarship and grant budget of over $160,000, providing members and their families with financial assistance for education continues to be a cornerstone of CSEA. Applicants range from varying academic pathways, including community college, first-year university, trade and vocational schools.
Many scholarship winners are among the first in their family to pursue a college degree.
“I am a first-generation college student. I have worked hard throughout my high school years to earn good grades and make my parents proud,” said Joshua Baeza, son of Lisa Marie Baeza from Rosedale Chapter 508.
“They have worked hard to plan for my college education and have supported me along the way. I plan to attend a four-year university in the Fall of 2023 and earn my bachelor's degree in computer science.”
In addition to CSEA’s scholarships, the AFL-CIO's Union Plus also awards scholarships to union members and their families. This year, Union Plus awarded scholarships totaling $200,000 ranging from $500 to $4,000.
As an AFL-CIO affiliated labor union, CSEA consistently has one of the highest participation rates in the program. This year, 19 CSEA members and dependents were awarded a Union Plus scholarship out of 205 winners across 41 unions nationwide.
Here are this year’s scholarship recipients:
Scholarships
Dependent Scholarship
- For graduating high school seniors and those enrolled in community college, university or a trade school on a full-time basis. Applications are available starting mid-November and applicants must submit by February 1 every year. Click here for more information.
Member Career Grant
- For CSEA members, these grants can help offset the cost of furthering your education. $1,000 grants are awarded based on a combination of criteria. Applications are now open and due October 31 Click here to apply.
Union Plus Scholarship
- For AFL-CIO affiliated union members or their dependents, these scholarships are available to students enrolled at an accredited college, university, community college, technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Applications are available mid-June and due January 31, 2024. Click here to apply.
Member Reimbursement Subsidy
- For CSEA members, this subsidy is up to $250 and helps pay for various opportunities like necessities for No-Cost College classes, applying for citizenship, professional enrichment, and union activism.
- See more about what programs are eligible here.
